The Many Faces of New York Dairy
The story of New York Dairy is as diverse as the landscapes it spans, from expansive farmlands to bustling processing plants. Behind every gallon of milk, every scoop of ice cream, and every classroom lesson inspired by agriculture are people dedicated to their craft, their community, and the future of dairy. Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of meeting some of these incredible individuals and hearing their stories. From farmers to educators to processors, they each play a vital role in sustaining the dairy industry and connecting it to the people of New York. Here are ten faces of New York Dairy who remind us why this work matters.
1. Kenny Ramos, Hudson Valley Fresh Driver
Kenny Ramos, a driver for Hudson Valley Fresh, grew up in the Bronx before settling into the countryside of New York. Kenny likens himself to a modern-day milkman, delivering fresh dairy products to schools, hospitals, and businesses. His role encompasses more than logistics; he actively fosters community pride and ensures quality in every delivery. The rewarding physicality of the job and the camaraderie of his team give Kenny a sense of fulfillment and pride in representing the farmers whose milk he delivers.
2. Summer Kiernan, Hudson Valley Fresh Quality Team
Summer Kiernan grew up on Walt’s Dairy, part of the Hudson Valley Fresh cooperative, where she was surrounded by the daily life of farming from an early age. Now a key member of Hudson Valley Fresh’s quality team, Summer works to uphold high standards for fresh, local dairy products. Summer connects with the community by organizing tastings and school visits, helping people learn more about where their food comes from, and encouraging the next generation to appreciate local farming.
3. Keegan and Brian Donovan, Millbrook Beef & Dairy
Keegan and Brian Donovan, the duo behind Millbrook Beef & Dairy, have created a haven for both animals and consumers. Brian’s initial fascination with the dairy industry led him to purchase a herd and establish the farm, while Keegan’s vision brought diversification, including beef and direct-to-consumer sales. Their farm store highlights local goods, including their own milk transformed into artisanal cheeses. Together, they cherish the connection with their customers and the rewarding life of dairy farming.
4. Katie Hynes, Founder of Zoe's Ice Cream Barn
Katie Hynes, owner of Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn, grew up surrounded by agriculture and found her passion for connecting people to farms through ice cream. Using Hudson Valley Fresh milk and locally sourced ingredients from neighboring farms, Katie crafts over 60 unique homemade ice cream flavors. She takes pride in teaching her young staff about the dairy industry and loves interacting with customers, making Zoe’s into a place where people can enjoy great ice cream and learn about the local farms behind every scoop.
5. Joel Riehlman and the Venture Farms Team
At Venture Farms, Joel Riehlman and his team produce over 100,000 pounds of milk daily. They prioritize the health and well-being of their cows and maintain the highest standards in dairy production. Joel’s leadership and passion for dairy farming inspire his team, from herdsmen to feed operators. Programs like 4H and FFA are integral to their outreach, teaching responsibility and connecting youth to agriculture. For Joel, dairy farming is both an exciting challenge and a chance to make a meaningful impact.
6. Dr. Daryl Nydam and Vet Students at Cornell's Summer Dairy Institute
Dr. Daryl Nydam leads Cornell’s Summer Dairy Institute, a rigorous six-week program for future dairy veterinarians. The program combines hands-on learning with cutting-edge dairy medicine, emphasizing sustainable practices and community collaboration. Participants gain a holistic understanding of the industry, learning not only how to treat individual cows but also how to address broader challenges within dairy production. By working on real-world case farms, they develop practical solutions that balance animal health, farm management, and consumer needs.
7. The Cayuga Milk Ingredients Team
The Cayuga Milk Ingredients team is a cooperative of Central New York dairy farms that produce and process 1.7 billion pounds of milk annually. Most of the milk travels less than 25 miles to the processing plant, ensuring efficiency and freshness. The team prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and exceptional quality while supporting local economies. With over 1,400 employees, Cayuga’s team works together to produce nutritious dairy products for customers around the world.
8. New York Animal Agriculture Coalition and Dairy Cow Birthing Center
The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) connects the public to farming through the Dairy Cow Birthing Center, where visitors can witness live births and learn about cow care. Farmers ensure cows have clean bedding, proper nutrition, and a calm environment. The exhibit also streams online, reaching viewers worldwide. NYAAC supports youth programs like 4H and FFA and offers scholarships to future agriculture advocates. Their work helps bridge the gap between farms and consumers, showing the hard work behind every glass of milk.
9. Monica Chamberlain, Ag in the Classroom’s Teacher of the Year 2024
Sixth-grade teacher Monica Chamberlain integrates agriculture into her lessons, making learning tangible and relevant for her students. Using programs like Ag in the Classroom, she connects math, science, and history to real-world farming practices. Monica’s hands-on approach keeps students engaged, whether they’re learning about ratios, history, or meeting professionals in agricultural careers. Her teaching ignites curiosity and enthusiasm, ensuring her students leave with a deeper appreciation for agriculture and its impact on their lives.
10. Johanna and Bret Bossard, Barbland and White Eagle Dairies
Johanna and Bret Bossard run Barbland and White Eagle Dairies, milking 4,400 cows and producing 40,000 gallons of milk daily, much of which goes to Chobani. Johanna also inspires young minds as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, highlighting the many career paths in agriculture. Their farms employ approximately 90 people and support hundreds of related jobs in the region. The Bossards emphasize caring for the people, animals, and land that make their operation possible, ensuring their milk is produced responsibly and locally.
Reflecting on the past year, it’s been inspiring to meet the people whose hard work and dedication sustain New York Dairy. Their stories remind us that behind every dairy product is a network of farmers, processors, and educators working tirelessly to deliver quality, sustainability, and community connection. As we move into the next year, we’re excited to continue sharing the stories of the people who make New York Dairy such an integral part of our state’s identity.